Folding trampoline

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a foldable trampoline comprising a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame being connected to a support for supporting the frame and wherein the frame is formed with two wings which can pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever and directly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts for producing the foldable trampoline.

The present invention relates to folding trampolines.

Folding trampolines for both domestic and commercial purposes are knownin the art. Folding allows the trampoline to be stored in smaller spacesthan would usually be required if the trampoline were fully erected andalso allows for the trampoline to be moved easily. However, manytrampolines require at least two people to assist during erection andfolding. Furthermore, as the mats of the trampoline are attached to thetrampoline frame by means of springs, there is a great deal of tensionin the trampoline which can be dangerous to individuals if thetrampoline is not erected or folded in the correct manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,600,572 discloses a collapsible trampoline having aframe divided into two halves and which is erected by first tilting thetrampoline to one side and unfolding an opposing side. The trampolinewould be difficult (and potentially dangerous) for a single person toerect or fold due to the high tension within the trampoline mat.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,221 is directed towards a foldable trampoline whichhas a frame comprising peripheral frame members which are pivotallyconnected to each other such that it can be positioned between a firstposition oriented in an approximately horizontal configuration forming atrampoline, and a second position where a portion of the web is orientedat an angle of less than 180° relative the other portion of thetrampoline mat to thereby form a backstop for ball games. The unfoldingmechanism of this trampoline is complicated.

EP1674135 describes a trampoline having a trampoline mat fastened to asurrounding frame for suspending the trampoline mat, and includes asupport for the frame, where the frame is foldable and has at least twoframe sections with a first, collapsed position for storing and movingthe trampoline, and a second, unfolded position where the frame sectionsare horizontal. The mechanism for folding this trampoline is alsocomplicated having many moving parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved foldingtrampoline, which can be erected or folded in a safe and control mannerby a single person. It is also an object of the present invention toprovide a folding trampoline, which is simple in construction andoperation.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldabletrampoline comprising a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the framebeing connected to a support for supporting the frame and wherein theframe is formed with two wings which can pivotally move between adeployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and astorage position where the wings are brought towards each other, eachwing having a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever anddirectly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling themovement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions.

The present invention provides a foldable trampoline which is relativelysimple in construction and can be moved between a deployed and a storageposition by a single person.

With regard to the deployed position, the term “substantiallyhorizontal” should be taken to mean within 20° of the horizontal plane.

In the storage position, the wings may be substantially upright. Such anupright configuration may result in the wings converging or divergingwith respect to one another. Alternatively, the wings may besubstantially parallel with respect to one another.

Preferably, each wing is coupled independently to the linear actuator.

Furthermore, each wing may share points of pivotal movement at opposingsides of the trampoline frame.

The frame may further comprise a central portion, to which the wings arepivotally mounted. Each wing may be pivotally mounted to either side ofthe central portion. If a central portion is present, it is preferredthat it remain substantially horizontal in both the storage and deployedpositions. Preferably, the wings are pivotally connected to ends of thecentral portion. The frame may be connected to the support at thecentral portion. The linear actuator may be located underneath thecentral portion of the frame and on the support.

In connection with a first embodiment of the present invention, thelinear actuator may be selected from one of the following linearactuators: a worm gear arrangement, a pulley and ratchet arrangement, apneumatic piston arrangement or a hydraulic pump arrangement. The linearactuator may be manually powered by means of a crank or pump forexample. The crank or pump can be conveniently located about the stand,for example in a central position or to one side. Alternatively, thetrampoline may further comprise an electrical drive mechanism forpowering the linear actuator. If an electrical drive mechanism isemployed, then it may be sealed from the elements if necessary so thatthe trampoline can be used outdoors. An appropriate gearing mechanismcan also be included to ensure that the linear actuator can be poweredby manual or electrical means.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the linear actuator maycomprise a biasing arrangement which is configured so as to bias thewings towards the deployed and/or storage position.

Preferably, the biasing arrangement acts to control the movement of thewings between the deployed and storage position.

It is also preferred that the biasing arrangement exerts moments uponthe points of pivotal movement which are in opposing directions for eachwing. Furthermore, the biasing arrangement may change its bias when thewings are moved between the deployed and storage positions. Preferably,the biasing arrangement biases the wings towards the deployed positionwhen the wings are in, or near to, the deployed position, and biases thewings towards the storage position when the wings are in, or near to,the storage position.

The biasing arrangement counteracts the force exerted on the wings bythe trampoline mat and thus enables the wings to be moved betweenpositions easily and safely in addition to counteracting the weight ofthe frame in certain positions if necessary.

It should be understood that the term “trampoline mat” is intended toinclude not only the mat itself, but also any associated articles usedto attach the mat to the frame. Examples of these articles includerubber connectors or trampoline springs etc.

The biasing arrangement may comprise a spring. It is preferred that thebiasing means is a gas spring.

The biasing arrangement may comprise two springs, each spring having afirst end which is coupled to the lever of a wing and a second opposingend which is coupled to the support.

The position between a deployed and storage position may be defined whenthe force of the spring is in a direction which is parallel with thepoint of pivotal movement and the first and second ends of the spring.

The springs may be in an extended configuration when the wings are movedtowards the deployed and storage positions and in a compressedconfiguration when the wings are in a position between the deployed andthe storage position.

Preferably, each wing further comprises a second fixed arm which extendsto form a lever that is coupled to a damper arrangement. The secondfixed arms of the wings may be coupled together by means of the damperarrangement. Preferably, the dampening arrangement comprises an oilfilled damper.

The following features may be incorporated into both embodiments of thepresent invention.

The arm may be downwardly extending from the wing. Preferably, the armdownwardly extends from the point of pivotal movement. The downwardlyextending arm may be located beneath the central portion of the frame,when the wing is in the deployed position.

The trampoline may further comprise a locking means for locking thewings in the storage position and/or the deployed position. The lockingmeans may comprise individual components located at different parts ofthe trampoline, or at a common location. The provision of a lockingmeans will increase the safety of the trampoline, and in particular,prevent any unwanted folding or deployment of the wings during use orstorage. The locking means may be disposed adjacent to, or at the pointof pivotal movement of the wings.

The locking means may be actuated by means of a spring-loaded pin. If aspring-loaded pin mechanism is employed, it may be accommodated at aposition adjacent to, or at the point of pivotal movement. Thespring-loaded pin may be located within part of the frame and capable ofextending through an aperture within the frame. A collar may also beprovided which has a larger internal diameter than the external diameterof the frame so that the collar can slide freely over the frame. Thecollar may then be moved to a position where it covers both the centralportion of the frame and an end of a wing. The spring loaded pin mayextend through the aperture within the frame and protrude from the frameto such an extent that the collar can no longer slide freely over theframe and is effectively locked in place over both the central portionof the frame and an end of a wing. In order to allow the wings to moveagain, the pin can be depressed within the frame aperture to a positionwhich is substantially flush with the frame so as to permit the collarto slide freely over the frame to a position where it no longer coversboth the central portion of the frame and the end of a wing.

Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a hinged cylindricalcollar which is integrally formed as part of the frame and which iscapable of receiving part of the wing or central portion adjacent to thepoint of pivotal movement. The collar can be hinged open to allow thewings to be moved between a closed position to deployed position withouthindrance. However, when the wings are in the deployed position, thehinged collar can be hinged closed and held together with fixing means(such as butterfly nut) so as to lock the wings in the deployedposition.

As a yet further alternative, the locking means may comprise a boltwhich can be used to secure the wings to the central portion. Such abolt may pass through an aperture formed in part of a wing near to thepoint of pivotal movement and an aperture formed in the frame and/orstand. When the wings are in a deployed position and the apertures arelined up with one another, a bolt can be inserted into both aperturesand used to secure the wing to the frame and/or stand.

Furthermore, the locking means may comprise a ring collar which canslide over part of the frame adjacent to, or at, the point of pivotalmovement when the wings are in the deployed position so as to preventany unwanted pivotal movement. If required, the ring collar may betightened so as to prevent any movement of the ring collar when inplace.

In order to facilitate movement of the trampoline, the support may beprovided with wheels. Such wheels will preferably have brakes, so as toprevent movement of the trampoline when it is stored in a particularlocation. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the wheels only engagethe floor when the wings are in the stored position, but not when thewings are in the deployed position. In an alternative embodiment, thewheels engage the floor when the wings are in both the storage anddeployed position.

The trampoline may further comprise legs upon which the frame rests whenthe wings are in the deployed position. The legs, which may be connectedto the frame, will provide stability to the trampoline when in use. Itis preferred that the legs are capable of moving from a downwardlyprojecting position from the frame when the wings are in the deployedposition to a position substantially parallel with the wing when thewings are raised into the storage position. If required, the legs can bereleasably locked into position when the wings are either in thedeployed or storage position. The legs may be formed by two downwardlyprojecting members originating from the frame which are joined togetherat the base by a connecting limb.

The trampoline may further comprise an enclosure adapted to upwardlyextend around the frame when the wings are in the deployed position, soas to prevent an individual from falling from the trampoline. Theenclosure may have an access door so as to allow the surface of the matto be easily accessed when required. It is preferred that the enclosureis releasably attached to the legs of the trampoline.

The enclosure may be releasably attached to the legs of the trampolineby a number of ways. In one embodiment, the enclosure compriseselongated enclosure support members which are attachable to the legs ofthe trampoline when in the deployed position and from which an enclosurenet can be suspended.

Each support member may be formed with an upper portion and a lowerportion. The lower portion being attachable to the legs of thetrampoline, where it may remain in place permanently if desired. Theupper portion can be releasably attached to the lower portion so that itextends upwardly from the trampoline frame. When the trampoline is inthe deployed position and two or more upper portions are attached to thelower portion, an enclosure net may be suspended there between.

In order to permit the upper and lower portions to be attached to oneanother, it is preferred that a spring loaded pin arrangement isutilised. The spring loaded pin arrangement has been previouslydescribed in connection with the locking means. The upper end of thelower portion may terminate in a cylindrical section having a slightlysmaller exterior diameter than the internal diameter of the uppersection. The spring loaded pin can protrude thorough an aperture in thecylindrical section of the lower portion. When the pin is depressed, theupper section is able to slide over the cylindrical section of the lowerportion and the spring can push the pin through an aperture located onthe upper portion when both apertures are in alignment. In order toremove the upper portion from the lower portion, the pin is simplydepressed to a point where it is no longer received in the aperture ofthe upper portion and the upper portion can be removed from the lowerportion by means of sliding the upper portion away from the lowerportion.

The trampoline may be made in a number of shapes. For example, the shapeof the frame may be one of the following shapes: a circle, an oval, anoctagon, hexagon or a pentagon. If the frame is in the shape of anoctagon or a pentagon, a leg may be formed by two downwardly projectingmembers as described earlier, where a first member is located on oneside the octagon or pentagon and a second member is located on anadjacent side.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a clamp for clamping at least two elongate members together,such that the two elongate members are clamped in positions which aresubstantially parallel to one another, the clamp comprising two clampingmembers which are pivotally attached to one another, each clampingmember having a clamping surface which is capable of gripping at leastpart of the exterior of the elongate members when the clamping membersare pivotally moved towards one another, at least one clamping surfacebeing adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exteriorof one of the elongate members and the clamp further comprising meansfor releasably locking the clamping members in position around theelongate members.

It is preferred that the clamping surface is adapted to conform to atleast part of the profile of the exterior of two elongate members. It ismore preferred that both clamping members are adapted to conform to atleast part of the profile of the exterior of one elongate member. It ismost preferred that both clamping members are adapted to conform to atleast part of the profile of the exterior of two elongate members.

The clamping members may be pivotally attached to one another towardsone end of the clamping members. The means for releasably locking theclamping members may comprise a screw and nut arrangement. The means forreleasably locking the clamping members may comprise a threaded screwwhose shank can be inserted through an aperture in one the clampingmembers and be rotatably received in a threaded portion located on orwithin the opposing clamping member. It is preferred that where bothclamping members are adapted to conform to at least part of the profileof the exterior of two elongate members, the means for releasablylocking the clamping members is capable of being located between the twoelongate members when the clamp is in position around them.

The elongate members may comprise a leg of a trampoline and an enclosuresupport member. Preferably, the clamp will be used to releasably clampan enclosure support member to the leg of a trampoline as herein abovedescribed.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a kit of parts for producing a foldable trampoline comprising:

-   -   a. a trampoline mat;    -   b. a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame comprising        tubular sections which are joined together to form two side        wings of the trampoline frame, each wing having a fixed arm        extending from the wing for forming a lever;    -   c. a pivot for allowing the two sides of the trampoline frame to        pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are        substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings        are brought towards each other;    -   d. a support for supporting the frame;    -   e. a linear actuator coupled to the arms extending from the        wings for controlling the movement of the wings between the        deployed and storage positions; and    -   f. suspension means for suspending the trampoline mat from the        frame.

The kits will preferably be used to produce a foldable trampoline asherein above described. It will be evident that commonly, trampolinesare delivered in a “flat pack” configuration where an individual has toassemble the trampoline themselves. It is preferred that the presentinvention will be shipped as a “flat pack” which requires assembly by anindividual. Additionally, the trampoline may be supplied or producedwith padding to cover the frame and a protective cover etc.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline embodying the presentinvention, in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trampoline in a deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 3 a is a side elevation of the trampoline in the stowedconfiguration;

FIG. 3 b is an enlarged side elevation of a linear actuator mechanismemployed in the present invention and highlighted with a circle in FIG.3 a;

FIG. 4 is side elevation of the linear actuator mechanism showing stowed(denoted A), deployed (denoted B) and intermediate (denoted C)configurations;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the trampoline in the deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 5 b is an enlarged perspective view of the linear actuatormechanism employed in the present invention and highlighted with acircle in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 a is an exploded perspective view of the trampoline's components;

FIG. 6 b is an exploded perspective view of a leg locking mechanismhighlighted with a circle in FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a trampoline ina deployed configuration;

FIG. 7 b is an enlarged perspective view of the linear actuatormechanism employed in the second embodiment and highlighted with acircle in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of thetrampoline;

FIG. 9 a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismof the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismof the second embodiment where the trampoline is locked in the deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 10 a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismof a third embodiment of the trampoline in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 10 b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismas shown in FIG. 10 a and where the trampoline in a deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 11 a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismof a fourth embodiment of the trampoline in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 11 b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanismas shown in FIG. 11 a and where the trampoline in a deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 12 a is a side elevation of the central part of a trampoline inaccordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with thewings shown in a deployed position;

FIG. 12 b is a side elevation of the central part of the trampolineshown in FIG. 12 a, with the wings shown in a stowed position;

FIG. 12 c is a side elevation of the central part of the trampolineshown in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, with the wings shown in a position betweenthe deployed and stowed position;

FIG. 13 a is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central partof the trampoline shown in FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 13 b is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central partof the trampoline shown in FIG. 12 b;

FIG. 13 c is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central partof the trampoline shown in FIG. 12 c;

FIG. 14 a is a side elevation of part of the trampoline of a sixthembodiment of the present invention, showing the locking mechanism usedto lock the wings in the deployed position;

FIG. 14 b is a side elevation of part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 14a, showing the wings in a position which is between the deployedposition and the stowed position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a trampoline in accordance with aseventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a trampoline havingan enclosure fitted around the frame;

FIG. 16 a is an enlarged side elevation of a leg and enclosure supportof the trampoline shown in FIG. 15, with the enclosure support shownfitted to the leg;

FIG. 16 b is an enlarged side elevation of the leg and enclosure supportshown in FIG. 16 a, with part of the enclosure support shown as beingdetached from the support;

FIG. 16 c is an enlarged side elevation of the leg and enclosure supportshown in FIG. 16 a, with the leg being detached from the trampolineframe;

FIG. 17 a is a perspective view of a clamp used to attach an enclosuresupport to the leg of a trampoline;

FIG. 17 b is a cross-sectional side view of the clamp as shown in FIG.17 a; and

FIG. 17 c is a cross-sectional rear view of the clamp as shown in FIG.17 a.

FIGS. 1 to 6 b show a first embodiment of a foldable trampoline 10having a tubular construction. The trampoline 10 has an octagonal frame12 with a mat 14 suspended in the frame by means of a plurality ofsprings 16. The underside of the frame 12 has a number of “U” shapedtubular legs 18 attached thereto.

The frame 12 is also attached to two stands 20 located at opposing sidesof the frame. Each stand 20 is of a generally rectangular shape with twowheels 22 having foot brakes 24. One of the stands houses a linearactuator in the form of a worm screw 26, which is connected by a gearingmechanism to a manual crank 28. The worm screw 26 is rotatably mountedin bearings 30 located at each end of the stand. The worm screw 26 has aclockwise threaded region 32 and a counter clockwise threaded region 34.Riding on the respective threaded regions are clockwise shuttle 36 and acounter clockwise shuttle 38.

The frame 12 is divided into a first leaf 40 and a second leaf 42, eachleaf being a tubular component shaped to form part of an octagon. Theframe also has two central portions 48 which form part of opposingoctagonal sides. End regions of each leaf 40,42 are coupled by pivots ataxles 44,46 located at either end of the central portion 48 and thecentral portion is attached to the stand 20. At the point where theleaves 40,42 pivot about the axles 44,46, first and second downwardlyextending arms 50 and 52 protrude from the leaves in a convergent mannerat an angle of approximately 135° with respect to the horizontal planeof the frame.

Shuttles 36,38 ride the worm screw 26 and are pivotally mounted withinthe first and second arms 50,52. When the crank 28 is turned, it rotatesa toothed sprocket 54 which rotates the worm screw 26 within thebearings 30 and the shuttles 36,38 move across the worm screw and indoing so actuate movement on the arms 50,52 so as to move the leaves40,42 between a stowed position as shown in FIG. 1 and a deployedposition as shown in FIG. 2.

It should be noted that in FIG. 1, the leaves 40,42 are in an uprightposition and the wheels are in contact with the ground. In FIG. 2, theleaves 40,42 are deployed in a horizontal position and the legs 18 areof a greater height than the stand 20 resulting in the wheels 22 of thestand being raised off the ground by a height denoted with “X”.

In FIG. 3 a, the trampoline 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown ingreater detail. In particular, it can be seen that the frame 12 and legs18 are made up of different tubular segments which are joined to oneanother. Furthermore, FIG. 3 a also shows that when the first and secondleaves 40,42 are in the deployed horizontal position (denoted “B”), thelegs 18 extend downwardly towards the ground. In contrast, when thefirst and second leaves 40,42 are in the stowed vertical position, thelegs 18 are also in a stowed vertical position. The legs 18 are capableof moving between both positions relative to the first and second leaves40,42 when desired and can be locked into place as will be describedlater.

FIG. 3 b is a more detailed view of the linear actuator shown in otherFigures. The clockwise and counter clockwise thread 32,34 on the wormscrew 26 can clearly be seen, as can the toothed sprocket 54. When thecrank 28 is rotated in a certain direction, the first and second arms50,52 are forced away from one another and results in the first andsecond leaves 40,42 pivoting about their respective axles 44,46 and theleaves being brought together towards the stowed position denoted “A”.

FIG. 4 schematically shows how the first and second leaves 40,42 aredeployed and stowed. In particular, FIG. 4 shows that turning the crank28 in a clockwise direction 56, results in the counter clockwiserotation 58 of the worm screw 26 via the toothed sprocket 54. Thecounter clockwise rotation of the worm screw 26 moves the first andsecond arms 50,52 away from each other in direction 56, resulting in thefirst and second leaves 40,42 moving from a horizontal deployed positionindicated by “B”, to a vertical stowed position indicated positionindicated by “A”. An intermediate position denoted by “C” is also shownwith dotted lines.

FIG. 5 a shows a more detailed perspective view of the trampoline aspreviously shown. FIG. 5 b shows a detailed perspective view of thelinear actuator as previously described.

FIG. 6 a shows an exploded perspective view of the trampoline aspreviously described. FIG. 6 b in particular shows the mechanism 60which locks the legs in a downward position when the second leaf 44 isin the horizontal deployed position. The leg 18 is formed as a tubularmember which joins the frame 12 by a first and second connection members62,64 located within the frame. The connection members 62,64 arecylindrical and shaped so that they can be received by the first andsecond apertures 66,68 apertures formed at the ends of the tubular leg18. The connection members 62,64 form a cylindrical collar 70 which canrotate about a cylindrical part of the frame 72 having a smallerdiameter than the diameter of the collar 70. A spring pin 74 is locatedwithin the cylindrical part of the frame 72 and the pin protrudesthrough the aperture 76 of the cylindrical part of the frame 72 and anaperture 78 disposed through the collar 70. The spring pin 74 locks theleg 18 in position when both apertures 76 and 78 are in alignment.However, by depressing the pin 74 through the aperture, 78, the collar70 can be rotated freely about the cylindrical part of the frame 72.

FIGS. 7 a to 9 b (which include reference numbers that correspond tothose of FIGS. 1 to 6 b) shows a second embodiment which is similar tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 b, but having a number of minormodifications.

Firstly, the crank handle 28 is located towards an end of the worm screw26 and adjacent to one of the bearings 30. The crank handle 28 in thisembodiment is formed as part of the worm screw, thus obviating the needfor a toothed sprocket 54.

Secondly, the frame 12 has downwardly extending legs 100 formed form afirst limb 102 and a second limb 104 which are joined together at thebase by a joining limb 106. The first limb 102 is attached to one sideof the octagonal frame 12, whilst the second limb 104 is attached to anadjacent side of the octagonal frame so as to provide additionalstability to the trampoline when in the deployed configuration. Thefirst and second leg 102,104 can be attached to the frame 12 whendesired, by simply inserting the respective ends of the legs 103,105into cylindrical connection members 108,109 disposed on adjacent sidesof the octagonal frame 12.

Thirdly, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, a cylindricallocking collar 110 is provided on the stand 20, whose internal diameteris slightly larger than the external diameter of the frame 12. Thelocking collar 110 is split into a lower part 112 and an upper part 114and has a hinge 115 which allows the upper part to pivotally open so asto allow the part of the frame which forms leaves 40,42 to move from adeployed configuration to a stowed configuration. The locking collaralso has an upper flattened portion 116 which can be brought intocontact with a lower flattened portion 118 disposed on the lower part112. The lower flattened portion 118 has two upstanding threaded screws120 upon which butterfly nuts 122 can be threaded. The upper flattenedportion 116 has two cut-outs 124 which allow passage of the threadedscrews 120 when the two portions 116,118 are brought into contact withone another. When the leaves 40,42 are in the stowed configuration, theupper part and lower part 112,114 can be bought together so that thelower flattened portion 118 and the upper flattened portion 116 abut oneanother. The treaded screws 120 pass through the cut-outs 124 and thebutterfly nuts 122 can be threaded onto the screws 120 to secure theupper flattened portions and lower flattened portions 116,118 togetherso as to lock the leaves 40,42 in the deployed position (as shown inFIG. 9 b). If the trampoline is to be placed in the stowed position, thebutterfly nuts 122 are simply removed so that the upper part 114 can berotated about the hinge 115 in direction 126 and out of the way of theleaves 40,42 (shown in FIG. 9 a) so that they can be moved in direction128 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration(illustrated by the dotted line 130).

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b (which include reference numbers that correspond tothose of earlier Figures) show a third embodiment of the trampolinehaving a different arrangement for locking the wings in the deployedposition. In this embodiment, the central portion 48 terminates in aU-shaped channel 150 which receives a complementary wedge shaped end 152of a leaf. The U-shaped channel 150 accommodates an axle 44 around whichthe end 152 can pivot. Towards the base of the U-shaped channel 150 is afirst aperture 154. The end of the leaf 152 also has a second aperture156, though which is disposed a treaded bolt 158. When the leaf isrotated about the axle 44 in direction 160 (so as to assume the positionindicated by dotted line 162), the first and second apertures 154,156line up and the shank of the bolt 158 can be pushed through bothapertures. A nut 164 can then be treaded onto the shank of the bolt tosecure bolt in place and lock the wing in the deployed position as shownin FIG. 10 b. In order unlock the wing, the nut 164 is simply unscrewedand the threaded bold 158 removed from both the first and secondapertures 154,156.

FIG. 11 a and 11 b (which include reference numbers that correspond tothose of Earlier Figures) show a fourth embodiment of the trampolinehaving a further variant of the mechanism used for locking the wings inthe deployed position. The mechanism shown is similar to the one shownin FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, however, in place of a bolt, a slidable sleeve200 is used. When the end of the leaf 152 is rotated about the axle 44in direction 160 (so as to assume the position indicated by dotted line162), the slidable sleeve 200 can move along plane 202 and in doing socan ride over the outer surface 204 the end of the central portion 48.When the sleeve 200 is in position over at least part of the outersurface 204, it prevents the leaf from pivoting about axle 44 andtherefore locks the wings in the deployed position. If required, theinterior diameter of the sleeve 200 may adjustable so that when inposition, the diameter can be restricted to grip the outer surface 204.A number of ways of adjusting the diameter of the sleeve may be used,such as a simple hose ring etc. In order to unlock the wing, the sleeve200 is simply moved to a position which is clear of the outer surface204.

In use, the trampoline will usually be flat packed for ease oftransportation and due to its tubular construction can be erectedquickly and easily.

After erection, the trampoline is moved from the deployed position asshown in FIG. 2 to the stowed position in FIG. 1, by simply turning thecrank 28 in a clock wise direction 56. Before the crank is turned, thetwo leaves 40,42 must be unlocked. In the first embodiment, the leavesare unlocked by pressing a button to release a lock on the axle 44,46provided to prevent unwanted pivoting of the leaves. Alternatively, thelock may be a hook which requires un-hooking. In the second embodiment,the upper part 116 of the locking collar 110 is moved to the positionillustrated in FIG. 9 a. In the third embodiment the bolt 158 is removedfrom apertures 156 and 154 as shown in FIG. 10 a. In the fourthembodiment, the sleeve 200 is moved away from the outer surface 204 ofthe end of the central portion 48 as shown in FIG. 11 a.

When the crank 28 is then turned in a clockwise direction 56, the wormscrew 28 is rotated in a counter clockwise rotation 58 via the toothedsprocket 54. In the second embodiment, the worm screw 28 is rotatedwithout the need of the toothed sprocket. The counter clockwise rotationof the worm screw 26 exerts a linear motion to the clockwise and counterclockwise shuttles 36,38 and this in turn moves the first and secondarms 50,52 away from each other in direction 56, resulting in the firstand second leaves 40,42 pivotally moving about axles 44,46 from ahorizontal deployed position indicated by “B”, to a vertical stowedposition indicated position indicated by “A”, via an intermediateposition denoted by “C”.

When the leaves are in a substantially vertical position, the wheelsengage the floor as the legs 18 are no longer in contact with the groundand the trampoline frame 12 rests on the stand 20. In the firstembodiment, the legs can then unlocked from their position(perpendicular to the plane of the leaves), by pressing the spring pininto the aperture 78 of the collar, so that the pin is able to ridewithin the collar 70 and the legs rotate freely about the frame andresumes a vertical position along side the vertical leaves. In thesecond embodiment, the legs 18 can simply be removed from the frame byremoving the ends 103,104 from the cylindrical connection members108,109 as an when required. The leaves 40,42 can then be locked intothe vertical position if required by the locking mechanism.

A cover can be placed over the stowed trampoline and the trampolinewheeled to its storage location. If required, the foot brake 24 can beapplied so as to prevent the stand moving.

The reverse operation of the above described procedure is used to deploythe trampoline. If the leaves 40,42 have been locked into position, thenthe locks will first have to be disengaged so as to allow movement. Inthe first embodiment, the legs 18 will have to be deployed and lockedinto position by rotating the collar 70 relative to the cylindrical partof the frame 72. When the spring pin is aligned with both the aperture76 of the cylindrical part 72 and the aperture 78 of the collar 70 ofthe connection member 62, the leg 18 becomes locked into place at anangle perpendicular to the frame. In the second embodiment, the ends103,104 are simply inserted into the cylindrical connection members108,109 located about frame so that they assume an angle perpendicularto the frame. The crank can then rotated in a counter clockwisedirection to lower the leaves 40,42 into the deployed horizontalposition.

Whilst a worm screw is shown as the linear actuator for moving thetrampoline between a deployed and stowed position, other actuators couldalso be used. For example, a linear actuator may be a pulley and ratchetarrangement, a pneumatic piston arrangement or a hydraulic pumparrangement. It will be evident that should a pneumatic piston orhydraulic pump arrangements be employed, then the crank 28 would bereplaced by a pump controls and associated pressure valves. Furthermore,an electric drive system could be used to power the linear actuator.Such electric drive systems will be particularly suited to largertrampolines and could be re-fitted to manually powered variants ifnecessary.

A fifth embodiment of the trampoline is shown in FIGS. 12 a to 12 c,which differs from trampolines as previously described.

A trampoline frame rests upon a rectangular support 300 which in turnrests upon wheels 302. The frame has a central portion 304 which isflanked by a first leaf 306 and a second leaf 308. The first and secondleaves 306,308 are pivotally attached to ends of the central portion bymeans of axles 310,312. The central portion 304 rests upon the support300 by means of struts 315. The first and second leaves 306,308 havedownwardly extending first and second arms 314,316. When the leaves306,308 are in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 12 a), the firstand second arms 314,316 extend diagonally from a point adjacent to theaxles 310,312, towards the underside of the central portion 304. Firstand second gas springs 318,320 connect the ends of the first and secondarms 314,316 to respective bottom corners of the support 300. The gassprings 318,320 are of the extension type and are configured so as toexert a force against the arms 314,316 in a direction shown by the arrowdenoted 322. The gas springs 318,320 are attached to the ends of thearms and corners of the support in such a manner so as to allow forrotational movement. For example, an end of a gas spring 318,320 may beattached to either the arm or the support by means of a ball joint. Onthe opposing side (shown in FIGS. 13 a to 13 c) of the trampoline, asimilar arm arrangement is formed, except in place of first and secondgas springs 318,320 connecting the arms to each bottom corner of thesupport, the two arms are joined to one another by means of an oilfilled damper which facilitates the controlled movement of the leaves.

A trampoline mat (not shown) is also attached within the frame by meansof trampoline springs. The tension in the mat (produced by thetrampoline springs and elasticity within the mat) would make themovement of the first and second leaves 306,308 from the deployedposition (as shown in FIG. 12 a) to the stowed position (shown in FIG.12 b) sudden and rather dangerous, if it were not for the provision ofthe first and second gas springs 318,320. Furthermore, when the leavesare in the stowed position, there is little or no tension in the mat andthe leaves are unstable in this position. However, the first and secondgas springs 318,320 counteract the force exerted upon the leaves by thetrampoline mat (and the weight of the leaves) and permit the leaves tobe lowered and raised in a controlled and safe manner. The first andsecond gas springs 318,320 are also capable of holding the first andsecond leaves in the stowed position so that they can be locked togetherif required.

In FIG. 12 a, the gas springs 318,320 apply a force on the first andsecond arms 314,316, causing a clockwise moment (shown by arrow 324)which results in the first and second leaves 306,308 remaining in thedeployed position. The tension of the trampoline mat springs (not shown)attempt to pull the first and second leaves 306,308 to the stowedposition, causing an anticlockwise moment (shown by arrow 326), however,the force applied by the first and second gas springs 318,320 is greaterthan the force applied by the tension of the trampoline mat springs andthe trampoline remains in the deployed state and the leaves can besafely locked into position by a suitable locking mechanism (not shown).

In FIG. 12 b, the first and second leaves 306,308 are shown in thestowed position. The second gas spring 320 applies a force on the secondarms 316, causing an anticlockwise moment (shown by arrow 326) at theaxle 312. The tension from the trampoline mat springs no longer existsas they are all slack and force applied to the arms by the gas springsis greater than required to support the weight of the leaves in thisposition. The leaves therefore remain in the stowed position.

In FIG. 12 c, the first and second leaves 306,308 are shown in a midpoint between the deployed and stowed position. The first and second gassprings 318,320 apply forces to the first and second arms 314,316, butthe forces are in line with the axles 310,312, the ends of the first andsecond arms 314,316 and the respective corners of the frame so no momentoccurs. The tension from the trampoline mat springs is now very low. Theforce from the gas springs is in line with axles 310,312 and no momentis exerted by the first and gas springs 318,320 and the leaves remain inthe mid position until they are moved either towards the deployed orstowed position.

It will be apparent that if desired, the gas springs 318,320 could beconfigured so that when the leaves 306,308 are moved from the stowedposition, the leaves can be left to slowly fall against the action ofthe gas springs, until the mid point (where the axles are in line withthe attachment points of the ends of the gas springs at the end of thearm and the corners of the frame) has been reached. As the force fromthe gas springs 318,320 is in line with the axles 310,312, no moment isexerted by the springs. The leaves can then be gently pushed down pastthe mid point and the action of the springs will assist an individual indrawing the leaves down to the deployed position and overcome thetension of trampoline mat.

FIGS. 13 a to 13 c show the opposite sides of the central portion of thetrampoline as shown in FIGS. 12 a to 12 c. An opposite central portion330 is shown, to which are attached the first and second leaves 306,308by means of axles 336,338. The first and second leaves 306,308 havedownwardly extending third and fourth arms 332,334 which correspond tothe first and second arms 306,308 shown in FIGS. 12 a to 12 c. When theleaves 306,308 are in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 13 a), thethird and fourth arms 332,334 extend diagonally from a point adjacent tothe axles 336,338, towards the underside of the central portion 304. Agas filled damper 340 is attached between the ends of each arm 332,334.The gas filled damper 340 is employed to ensure the smooth controlledmovement of the leaves 306,308, when moved between the deployed andstowed positions.

In FIG. 13 a, the leaves 306,308 are in the deployed position and thedamper 340 is in a compressed configuration. In FIG. 13 b, the leaves314,316 are in the stowed position and the damper 340 is in an extendedconfiguration. In FIG. 13 c, the leaves 306,308 are shown in a positionmid-point between the deployed and stowed position and the damper 340 isin a mid-point configuration between a compressed and extendedconfiguration.

A sixth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b. The trampoline has asimilar construction as to those previously described, but differs inthe locking mechanism used to lock the leaves in the deployed position.

The trampoline frame rests upon a rectangular support 400 which in turnrests upon wheels 402. The frame is formed in a manner similar to thatdescribed in relation to earlier embodiments and has a cylindricalcentral portion 404 which is flanked by a cylindrical first leaf (notshown) and a cylindrical second leaf 408. The second leaf 408 ispivotally attached to the central portion by means of an axle 412. Thecentral portion 404 is mounted upon the support 400 by means of struts415. The central portion has a protrusion 418 extending from itssurface. The leaf 408 also has a spring loaded button 420 which alsoextends from its surface. A collar 422 having a slightly larger interiordiameter than both external diameters of the central portion 404 and theleaf 408 is also provided. FIG. 14 a shows that the collar 422 islocated over the axle 412 and bridges the ends of both the centralportion 404 and the leaf 408. In this position, the leaf 408 cannot berotated about the pivot and is locked in place. The collar 422 is unableto move from this position as the protrusion 418 and the button 420extend sufficiently to hinder the movement of the collar 422. However,if the spring loaded button 420 is depressed against the spring 424located within the interior of the leaf 408, then the collar 422 is ableto ride over the button and move to a position past the button on theleaf 408 as shown in FIG. 14 b. When the button 420 is released, thecollar is prevented from being located over the axle 412 and the leaf408 is free to rotate about the axle 412.

A seventh embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a to 16 c. Thetrampoline 500 shown in FIG. 14 is of a similar general construction tothose described earlier. However it also has an enclosure 502 made froma net material which surrounds the corners of the trampoline in anupright manner so as to prevent an individual from falling from thetrampoline when in use. A door 504 is formed in the netting by providingan aperture which can be opened by unzipping a panel of the netting. Theenclosure is formed from a number of rectangular shaped panels 506 whichare supported at either side by elongated support members 508 which arelocated at each corner of the trampoline. The support members 508 havean upper part 510 and a lower part 512. The lower part 512 terminates ina rubber stopper 514 and is releasably attached to a leg 516 of thetrampoline 500 by means of clamps 518 (which are shown in more detail inFIGS. 17 a to 17 c). The legs 516 of the trampoline are attached to theframe 520 of the trampoline which accommodates the trampoline mat 522.The netting is supported from the upper portions 508 of the supportmembers 508.

FIG. 16 a shows a cylindrical support member 508 which is attached tothe leg 516 of a trampoline. It can also be seen that spring loadedbuttons 522 on the leg 516 extend through an aperture (not shown) in theleg. Likewise, a spring loaded button 524 can be seen to extend throughan aperture (not shown) in the upper portion 510 of the support member508.

FIG. 16, shows the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 16 a, but the upperportion 510 of the support member 508 has been detached from the lowerportion 512 by depressing the spring loaded button 524 to release thebutton from the aperture 526 so that the upper portion can be slid offthe end of the lower portion 512. So as to ensure a snug fit between theupper portion and the lower portion 510,512, the lower portion 512 hasan outer profile 528, running from its upper end to just past the springloaded button 524, which is smaller in diameter than the interior of theupper portion 510.

FIG. 16 c, shows the same arrangement as shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 b,but the upper portion 510 is not present and the leg 516 has beendetached from the frame 520. The frame has a downwardly projecting stub534 which has an aperture 230 which can receive the spring loaded button522 located on the leg 516. The outer profile 532 of the leg 516,running from its upper end to just past the spring loaded button 524,has a smaller internal diameter than the interior of the downwardlyprojecting leg 534.

FIGS. 17 a to 17 c show in detail the clamp 518 which is used to attachthe lower part 512 of the support members 508 to a leg 516 of thetrampoline 500. The clamp 518 is formed having an upper clamping member600 and a lower clamping member 602 which are substantially similar inshape to one another. The upper and lower clamping members 600,602 arepivotally attached to one another by means of a pivot 604 which islocated at one end of the clamping members. The upper and lower clampingmembers 600,602 are both formed from pressed steel and each member hastwo opposing edges that are bent downwardly so as to form jaw-likestructures. The upper clamping member 600 has a planar outer surface 606and the downwardly facing edges are formed with an undulating innersurface 608 which incorporates a first part-circular profile 610 and asecond part-circular profile 612. The first profile 610 forms part of acircle which is slightly smaller in diameter than that of the secondprofile 612. The lower clamping member 602 has similar features to thatof the upper clamping member 600, in that it has a planar outer surface614, and the downwardly facing edges are formed with an undulating innersurface 616 having a first part-circular profile 618 and a secondpart-circular profile 620. The first profile 618 has a profile of partof a circle which is slightly smaller in diameter than that of thesecond profile 620.

When both inner surfaces 608,616 are rotated towards each other aboutthe pivot 604, the first profiles 610,618 and second profiles 612,620define a first space 622 and a second space 624 which can accommodatethe exterior of the lower part 512 of a support member 508 and a leg 516respectively.

In order to lock clamp in a certain position, a threaded bolt 526 isused to connect the upper and lower clamping members 600,602 together.The shank of the threaded bolt 526 is able to pass through an aperture628 in the planar outer surface 606, but the head 630 of the bolt 626 islarger than the aperture and therefore abuts part of the outer surface606 surrounding the aperture. The opposing end of the bolt 626 isreceivable in a threaded portion 632 located through the planer surface614 of the lower clamping member 602.

In order to attach the enclosure 502 to the trampoline, the springloaded button 522 of the leg 516 is depressed so that it is flush withthe outer profile 524 of the leg and the end slid into the interior ofthe downwardly projecting stub 534. The leg can be rotated or adjustedso that the spring loaded button 522 protrudes through the aperture 530in the frame and locks the leg 516 in place. As the lower portion 512 isattached to the leg 516, all that is required to fit the enclosuresupport member is to slide the end profile 528 into the interior of theupper portion 510 when the spring loaded button 524 is depressed. Theupper portion 510 can then be rotated or adjusted, so that the springloaded button 524 protrudes through the aperture 526 in the upperportion and locks the support 508 in place. The enclosure net 502 canthen be suspended between multiple supports surrounding the trampolineframe 520 so as to form a complete enclosure. To remove the enclosuresupport, the reverse of the above procedure is undertaken. If required,the support 508 need not be used with the trampoline and the lowerportion 512 can be removed from the legs by removing the clamps 518. Toremove the clamps 518, the threaded nut 626 is rotated to a positionwhere it is no longer received in the threaded portion 632. As the upperand lower clamping members 600,602 are no longer locked in position, themembers can move away from each other by rotation about the pivot 604and the clamp can be removed from the lower portion 512 of the supportand the leg 516. The reverse of the above procedure is used to replacethe clamps 518.

The aforegoing embodiments are presented by way of example rather thanlimitation and numerous possible modifications and variants will readilypresent themselves to those skilled in the art.

1. A foldable trampoline comprising a frame for suspending a trampolinemat, the frame being connected to a support for supporting the frame andbeing formed with two wings which can pivotally move between a deployedposition where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storageposition where the wings are brought towards each other, each winghaving a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever anddirectly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling themovement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions. 2-41.(canceled)
 42. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framefurther comprises a central portion, to which the wings are pivotallymounted.
 43. A trampoline as claimed in claim 42, wherein the wings arepivotally mounted to either side of the central portion.
 44. Atrampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is one ofthe following: a worm gear arrangement, a pulley and ratchetarrangement, a pneumatic piston arrangement, a hydraulic pumparrangement, a gas spring and an oil filled damper.
 45. A trampoline asclaimed in claim 1, comprising a damper to control the movement of thewings between the deployed and storage position.
 46. A trampoline asclaimed in claim 1 in which each fixed arm extends downwards from itsrespective wing.
 47. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, comprising abiasing arrangement which biases the wings towards the deployed positionwhen the wings are in, or near to, the deployed position, and biases thewings towards the storage position when the wings are in, or near to,the storage position.
 48. A trampoline as claimed in claim 47, whereinthe biasing arrangement comprises two springs, each spring having afirst end which is coupled to the lever of a respective wing and asecond opposing end which is coupled to the support.
 49. A trampoline asclaimed in claim 48, wherein the springs are in an extendedconfiguration when the wings are moved towards the deployed and storagepositions and in a compressed configuration when the wings are in aposition between the deployed and the storage position.
 50. A trampolineas claimed in claim 47, wherein each wing further comprises a secondfixed arm which extends to form a lever that is coupled to a damperarrangement.
 51. A trampoline as claimed in claim 50, wherein the secondfixed arms of the wings are coupled together by means of the damperarrangement.
 52. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, which furthercomprises a locking means for locking the wings in the storage positionand/or the deployed position.
 53. A trampoline as claimed in claim 52,wherein the locking means is disposed adjacently to or at the point ofpivotal movement of the wings.
 54. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1,wherein the trampoline further comprises legs, which are connected tothe frame for stabilising the frame when the wings are in the deployedposition.
 55. A trampoline as claimed in claim 54, wherein the legs areadapted to releasably lock in a downwardly projecting orientation fromthe frame when the wings are in the deployed positions.
 56. A trampolineas claimed in claim 1, which further comprises an enclosure comprisingan enclosure support which is releasably attachable to a leg of thetrampoline by means of a clamp.
 57. A trampoline as claimed in claim 56,wherein the clamp comprises two clamping members which are pivotallyattached to one another, each clamping member having a clamping surfacewhich is capable of gripping at least part of the exterior of the legand the enclosure support when the clamping members are pivotally movedtowards one another, at least one clamping surface being adapted toconform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of the leg orthe enclosure support and the clamp further comprising means forreleasably locking the clamping members in position around the leg andthe enclosure support.
 58. A trampoline as claimed in claim 57, whereinboth clamping surfaces are adapted to conform to at least part of theprofile of the exterior of the leg and the enclosure support.
 59. Atrampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape of the frame is oneof the following: a circle, an oval, a hexagon, an octagon or apentagon.
 60. A kit of parts for producing a foldable trampolinecomprising: a. a trampoline mat; b. a frame for suspending a trampolinemat, the frame comprising tubular sections which are joined together toform two side wings of the trampoline frame, each wing having a fixedarm extending from the wing for forming a lever; c. a pivot for allowingthe two sides of the trampoline frame to pivotally move between adeployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and astorage position where the wings are brought towards each other; d. asupport for supporting the frame; e. a linear actuator coupled to armsextending from the wings for controlling the movement of the wingsbetween the deployed and storage positions; and f. suspension means forsuspending the trampoline mat from the frame.
 61. A kit of parts forproducing a foldable trampoline comprising: a. a trampoline mat; b. aframe for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame comprising tubularsections which are joined together to form two side wings of thetrampoline frame, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wingfor forming a lever; c. a pivot for allowing the two sides of thetrampoline frame to pivotally move between a deployed position where thewings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where thewings are brought towards each other; d. a support for supporting theframe; e. a linear actuator coupled to arms extending from the wings forcontrolling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storagepositions; and f. suspension means for suspending the trampoline matfrom the frame.